{{Short description|Israeli Haredi author and rabbi}} {{Infobox writer | name = Aharon Sorasky | image = | imagesize = | alt = | caption = | pseudonym = A. Safran | birth_name = אהרן סורסקי | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1940|4|28}} | birth_place = | death_date = | death_place = | resting_place = | occupation = Author | language = Hebrew | nationality = | ethnicity = | citizenship = | education = | alma_mater = | period = | genre = [[Torah]] commentaries, biographies, non-fiction stories | subject = | awards = | notableworks = | spouse = | | website = }}

'''Rabbi Aharon Sorasky''' ({{langx|he|אהרן סורסקי}}; surname also spelled ''Surasky''<ref name=Builders/> or ''Sorsky'')<ref>{{cite web |title=Ask about Item |url=https://winners-auctions.com/en/ask-about-item/13087 |website=winners-auctions.com |access-date=27 December 2020 }}{{Dead link|date=September 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> is a [[Haredi]] author in [[Israel]], his specialty being biographies about Orthodox rabbis. He has also written under the pseudonym A. Safran.<ref>{{cite web |title=מה זה א ספרן - מילון עברי עברי |url=https://milog.co.il/%D7%90_%D7%A1%D7%A4%D7%A8%D7%9F |website=milog.co.il |access-date=27 December 2020}}</ref>

== Personal life ==

Rabbi Sorasky was born on April 28, 1940, and is a [[Slonimer chossid]]. He began his writing career with the [[Hamodia]] and worked for the Netzach publishing company. He has been hired by several [[Hasidic courts]] to write biographies about their rebbes.

== Praise == Rabbi [[Hanoch Teller]] wrote that "for decades, Rabbi Surasky has established himself as the most eminent, reliable and stylistically graceful biographer of our time&ndash;perhaps of all time." Rabbi Teller also praises him as a "serious ''[[talmid chacham]]'' and erudite scholar."<ref name=Builders>{{cite book |last1=Teller |first1=Hanoch |author1-link=Hanoch Teller |title=Builders: Stories and Insights into the Lives of Three Paramount Figures of Torah Renaissance |date=2000 |publisher=New York City Publishing Company |isbn=1881939146 |pages=XIV-XV}}</ref> Rabbi [[Simcha Wasserman]] praised him for his work, ''Ohr Elchonon'', about [[Elchonon Wasserman|Rabbi Wasserman's father]], saying, "Rabbi Aharon Sorasky, the distinguished author and scholar, gathered and organized the material into a justly acclaimed ''Ohr Elchonon'' in Hebrew. Its accurate portrayal of my father's character, accoplishents, and teachings is an eloquent tribute to Rabbi Sorasky's understanding and skill."<ref name=Artscroll>{{cite book |last1=Wasserman |first1=Rabbi Elazar Simcha |author1-link=Simcha Wasserman |title=Reb Elchonon |date=November 1996 |publisher=Mesorah Publications, Ltd. |location=Brooklyn, NY |isbn=0-89906-450-7 |page=XI |edition=Second |chapter=Foreword}}</ref> Rabbi Gedalia Anemer, ''[[rosh yeshiva]]'' of [[Yeshiva of Greater Washington]], called Rabbi Sorasky's biography on Rabbi [[Yekusiel Yehuda Halberstam]], ''Lapid HaEsh'', "an exceptional work which portrays the life of the great [[tzadik]] and his many contributions to ''Klal Yisrael'' (the [[Jewish people]])."<ref name=TheWarYears>{{cite book |last1=Anemer |first1=Rabbi Gedalia |title=The Klausenburger Rebbe: The War Years |date=2003 |publisher=[[Targum Press]] |isbn=1-56871219-7 |page=7 |chapter=[[Haskama]]}}</ref>

== Bibliography == === Torah === * ''MeMaayanot HaNetzach: Machrozet Peninim LeParshat HaShavuah'' (5 volumes) commentary on the [[Weekly Torah portions]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Hebrew 5 Book set MIMA'AYNOT HANETZACH on the Torah ממעיינות הנצח - אהרן סורסקי |url=https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hebrew-5-Book-set-MIMAAYNOT-HANETZACH-on-the-Torah-/391983785087 |website=ebay.com |publisher=[[eBay]] |access-date=25 December 2020}}</ref> * ''MeMaayanot HaNetzach: Pirkei Avot'', compilation of [[Acharonim]]'s commentaries on [[Pirkei Avot]]<ref>{{cite web |title=ממעינות הנצח - פרקי אבות |url=https://www.kodeshbook.co.il/product.asp?productid=5122 |website=kodeshbook.co.il|access-date=25 December 2020}}</ref> * ''MiSod Siach Chassidim: Derech Emunah Bacharti'', 2006, on [[Hassidic]] faith in their Rebbes<ref>{{cite web |title=מסוד שיח חסידים |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=azx-AAAAMAAJ |website=google.com/books |access-date=27 December 2020| last1=אהרנ | first1=סורסקיַ | year=2006 }}</ref> * ''MiSod Siach Chassidim: VeAhavtah LeReachah KaMochah'', 2015, sequel to ''MiSod Siach Chassidim: Derech Emunah Bacharti''<ref>{{cite web |title=מסוד שיח חסידים ־ 2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kFqpjwEACAAJ |website=google.com/books |access-date=27 December 2020| last1=סורסקי | first1=אהרן | year=2015 }}</ref> * ''Achiezer'', 1970, by Rabbi [[Chaim Ozer Grodzensky]], arranged by Rabbi Sorasky<ref>{{cite web |title=אחיעזר |url=https://tablet.otzar.org/book/book.php?book=107000&pagenum=1 |website=tablet.otzar.org |publisher=[[Otzar HaHochma]] |access-date=27 December 2020}}</ref>

=== Hasidism === * ''Yesod HaMaalah'', 1991, history of [[Hassidism]] in the [[Land of Israel]]<ref>Complete name: ''Yesod HaMaalah: Divrei HaYamim LeYishuv HaChassidim BeEretz Yisrael Misodam Shel Rabbotenu HaKadoshim Rebbi Menachem Mendel MeVitebsk Zy"a Rebbi Avraham MeKalish Zy"a'' {{cite web |title=יסוד המעלה |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cMSRxgEACAAJ |website=google.com/books |access-date=25 December 2020| last1=סורסקי | first1=אהרן | year=1991 }}</ref> * ''Marbitzei Torah BiOlam HaChassidut'', 1986, biographies on [[Hassidic]] [[rebbes]]<ref>{{cite web |title=מרביצי תורה מעולם החסידות בדורות האחרונים / אהרן סורסקי |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/books/NNL_ALEPH990010362800205171/NLI |website=nli.org.il/he |access-date=25 December 2020}}</ref> * ''Lapid HaEsh: Pirkei Chayav HaMufla'im Shel Mofet HaDor K"K ABDDK"K Tzanz-Klausenberg Ztzvk"l'', 1996, 2 volume biography of Rabbi [[Yekusiel Yehudah Halberstam]]<ref>{{cite web |title=לפיד האש ח"ב ("Torch of Fire" Volume 2) |url=https://zbermanbooks.com/%D7%9C%D7%A4%D7%99%D7%93-%D7%94%D7%90%D7%A9-%D7%97%D7%91 |website=zbermanbooks.com |access-date=26 December 2020}}</ref> **later translated into English by Judah Lifschutz, under the names ''The Klausenburger Rebbe: The War Years''<ref name=TheWarYears/> and ''The Klausenburger Rebbe: Rebuilding''<ref>{{cite book |title=The Klausenberger Rebbe: Rebuilding (vol. 2) |isbn=978-1568714516 |last1=Sorsḳi |first1=Aharon |year=2007 |publisher=Targum Press }}</ref> * ''Rosh Golat Ariel: Toldot Chayav U'Poalo Shel Rabbeinu Avraham Mordechai Alter MeGur'', 1990, co-authored by Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Segal, 2 volume biography of Rabbi [[Avraham Mordechai Alter]]<ref>{{cite web |title=ראש גולת אריאל Rosh Golat Ariel |url=http://virtualgeula.com/Stock/Books/Show/10859 |website=virtualgeula.com |access-date=27 December 2020}}</ref> * ''Pe'er Yisrael: Maran Admor HaRav Yisrael MiGur Zy"a Ha"Beis Yisrael"'', (1997), three volume biography of Rabbi [[Yisrael Alter]]<ref>{{cite web |title=פאר ישראל - ב"כ ב-ג (Pe'er Yisrael 2 volumes; Volumes 2-3) |url=https://zbermanbooks.com/%D7%A4%D7%90%D7%A8-%D7%99%D7%A9%D7%A8%D7%90%D7%9C-%D7%91%D7%9B-%D7%91-%D7%92 |website=zbermanbooks.com |access-date=27 December 2020}}</ref> * ''VaYechi Yosef'', 2 volume biography of Rabbi [[Yosef Greenwald]]<ref>{{cite web |title=ויחי יוסף : כור מחצבתו ותולדות חייו ... של ... רבי יוסף גרינוואלד ... / אהרן סורסקי. |url=https://www.nli.org.il/en/books/NNL_ALEPH001751360/NLI |website=www.nli.org.il |publisher=[[National Library of Israel]] |access-date=27 December 2020}}</ref> * ''BeLabat Esh'', 1984, biography of Rabbi [[Moshe Yechiel Epstein]]<ref>Complete name: ''BeLabat Esh: Pirkei Chayeihem UMishnatam Shel K"K Admor Sar HaTorah VeHayirah HaGaon HaKadosh Maran Rabbi Moshe Yechiel HaLevi Epstein Ztzvkl"l'' {{cite web |title=בלבת אש : פרקי חייהם ומשנתם של כ"ק ... רבי משה יחיאל הלוי אפשטיין ושלשלת אבותיו ... אדמור"י בית אוז'רוב-חנצ'ין / ... |url=https://il.bidspirit.com/ui/lotPage/source/catalog/auction/7529/lot/18405/%D7%91%D7%9C%D7%91%D7%AA-%D7%90%D7%A9-%D7%A4%D7%A8%D7%A7%D7%99-%D7%97%D7%99%D7%99%D7%94%D7%9D-%D7%95%D7%9E%D7%A9%D7%A0%D7%AA%D7%9D-%D7%A9%D7%9C-%D7%9B-%D7%A7?lang=he |website=il.bidspirit.com |access-date=27 December 2020}}</ref> * ''Zecher Kedoshim: Matzevet Zikaron LeShtibel Shel Chasidei Slonim BiIr Lodz, Polin'', on the [[Slonim (Hasidic dynasty)|Slonim]] community in [[Łódź]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Works |url=https://viaf.org/viaf/174145003310461301750/ |website=viaf.org |publisher=[[Virtual International Authority File]] |access-date=27 December 2020}}</ref> * ''Shoshelet Spinka'', 1990, biogrophies of the [[Spinka (Hasidic dynasty)|Spinka]] [[rebbes]]<ref>Complete name: ''Shoshelet Spinka: Pirkei Chayeihem UMishnatam Shel HaAdmorim HaKedoshim Me'orei HaGolah Marana VeRabana Rabbi Yosef Meir Weiss UBno Rabbeinu Yitzchak Isaac Weiss UMamshichei Darkam'' {{cite web |title=שושלת ספינקא |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x5wbcAAACAAJ |website=google.com/books |access-date=27 December 2020| last1=סורסקי | first1=אהרן | year=1990 }}</ref> * ''Heichal Bobov'', 1996, biographies of the [[Bobov (Hasidic dynasty)|Bobover]] rebbes<ref>Complete name: ''Heichal Bobov: Perakim BeDivrei Yemei Chayeihem VeToratam Shel Avot HaShoshalet Rabbeinu Shlomo Halberstam UBno Rabbeinu Bentzion Halberstam'' {{cite web |title=היכל באבוב : פרקים בדברי ימי חייהם ותורתם של אבות השושלת ... רבינו שלמה הלברשטאם ... ובנו ... רבינו בנציון הלברשטאם ... |url=https://www.nli.org.il/en/books/NNL_ALEPH990010390010205171/NLI |website=nli.org.il |publisher=[[National Library of Israel]] |access-date=27 December 2020}}</ref> * ''Geonei Polin: Chayeihem VeToratam Shel Rabbi Menachem Ziemba MePraga, Rabbi Aryeh Tzvi Frumer MeKozhiglov'', (1983) biogrophies of Polish rabbis<ref>{{cite web |title=גאוני פולין |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zZh2NQEACAAJ |website=google.com/books |access-date=27 December 2020| last1=סורסקי | first1=אהרן | year=1983 }}</ref> * ''Moreshet Tchebin: Darkei Chayav UPoalo Shel Rabbi Dov Berish Weidenfeld'', (1987/1988) biography of Rabbi [[Dov Berish Weidenfeld]]<ref>{{cite web |title=מורשת טשעבין : דרכי חייו ופעלו של ... רבי דב בעריש וויידענפעלד ... / ערוך בידי אהרן |url=http://merhav.nli.org.il/primo_library/libweb/action/display.do?tabs=detailsTab&ct=display&fn=search&doc=NNL_ALEPH21264656290005171&indx=6&recIds=NNL_ALEPH21264656290005171&recIdxs=5&elementId=5&renderMode=poppedOut&displayMode=full&frbrVersion=2&vl(452080141UI1)=all_items&vid=&mode=Basic&tab=unified_tab&vl(127845559UI0)=sub&dscnt=0&vl(freeText0)=%D7%95%D7%99%D7%93%D7%A0%D7%A4%D7%9C%D7%93%2C%20%D7%93%D7%91%20%D7%91%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%A9%20%D7%91%D7%9F%20%D7%99%D7%A2%D7%A7%D7%91%2C%201881-1965&scp.scps=scope%3A%28NNL03_CJA%29%2Cscope%3A%28NNL_YBZ%29%2Cscope%3A%28NNL_MUSIC_AL%29%2Cscope%3A%28NNL_ALEPH%29%2Cscope%3A%28RAMBI%29%2Cscope%3A%28NNL_ARCHIVE_AL%29%2Cscope%3A%28ALEK%29%2Cscope%3A%28EPHEMERA%29%2Cscope%3A%28PENN%29%2Cscope%3A%28ZALMANIA%29%2Cscope%3A%28BITMUNA%29%2Cscope%3A%28NNL_CAHJP%29%2Cscope%3A%28NNL-Journals%29%2Cscope%3A%28NNL01_Wahrman%29&dstmp=1609034995711 |website=merhav.nli.org.il |access-date=27 December 2020}}</ref> * ''Toldot Yehoshuah'', on Rabbi [[Bluzhev (Hasidic dynasty)#Keren Yeshua|Yehoshua Spira]], Rebbe of [[Ribatitch]] and [[Bluzhev (Hasidic dynasty)|Bluzhev]]

=== Other ===

* ''Orot MiMizrach: Toldot Ro'im Ruchni'im LeYahadut HaSepharadit'', 1974, biographies about [[Sephardic]] rabbis<ref>{{cite web |title=אורות ממזרח - תולדות רועים רוחניים ליהדות הספרדית אהרון סורסקי (Lights from the East - History of the Spritital Shepherds of Sephardic Jewry Aharon Sorasky)|url=http://www.sefer.org.il/Product/15348332/%D7%90%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%9E%D7%9E%D7%96%D7%A8%D7%97---%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%9C%D7%93%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A2%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%97%D7%A0%D7%99%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%94%D7%93%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A1%D7%A4%D7%A8%D7%93%D7%99%D7%AA---%D7%90%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%9F-%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%A1%D7%A7%D7%99 |website=sefer.org.il |access-date=25 December 2020 |language=he}}</ref> * ''D'muyot Hod'', 1967, three volume series on ''[[gedolim]]''<ref>{{cite web |title=דמויות הוד (Personalities of Glory) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XH6FyAEACAAJ |website=google.com/books |access-date=25 December 2020| last1=סורסקי | first1=אהרן | year=1967 }}</ref> * ''Toldot HaChinuch HaTorati BeTekufah HaChadashah'', history of Haredi [[chinuch]] in the [[Land of Israel]] spanning 100 years<ref>{{cite web |title=תולדות החינוך התורתי |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j9p8xAEACAAJ |website=google.com/books |access-date=25 December 2020| last1=סורסקי | first1=אהרן | year=1967 }}</ref> * ''Marbitzei Torah U'Mussar: BeYeshivot Nusach Lita MeTekufat Volozhin Ve'ad Yamenu'', 1976, four volumes, biographies on [[Lithuanian Jews|Lithuanian]] Orthodox rabbis<ref>{{cite web |title=Marbitse Torah u-Musar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yAP8zAEACAAJ |website=google.com/books |access-date=25 December 2020|last1 = Sorsḳi|first1 = Aharon|year = 1976}}</ref> * ''Rabbi Shimon VeTorato: Korot Chayav VeShitato HaTalmudit Shel Rabbi Shimon Yehudah HaKohen Shkop'', 1971, biography of Rabbi [[Shimon Shkop]]<ref>{{cite web |title=רבי שמעון ותורתו |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e-afAAAAMAAJ |website=google.com/books |access-date=27 December 2020| last1=Sorsḳi | first1=Aharon | year=1971 }}</ref> * ''Ohr Elchonon: Sipur Chayav Shel Rabbi Elchanan Bunim Wasserman'', biography of Rabbi [[Elchonon Wasserman]]<ref>{{cite web |title=אור אלחנן : סיפור חייו ... של ... רבי אלחנן בונם ווסרמן ... / אהרן סורסקי |url=https://www.nli.org.il/en/books/NNL_ALEPH990018068690205171/NLI |website=nli.org.il |access-date=25 December 2020}}</ref> **later translated into English by [[Artscroll]], under the name ''Reb Elchonon''<ref name=Artscroll/> * ''VeZot LeYehudah: Mesechet Chayav VePo'alav Shel Rabbeinu HaGadol Maran Rabbi Yehudah Tzadka Ztzvk"l'', 2012, biography of Rabbi [[Yehuda Tzadka]]<ref>{{cite web |title=ספר וזאת ליהודה |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9ZdXxAEACAAJ |website=google.com/books |access-date=27 December 2020| last1=סורסקי | first1=אהרן | year=2012 }}</ref> * ''Rabbi Shimon Chassidah: Esh Yokedet'', biography of Rabbi [[Shimon Sofer (Hungarian rabbi)|Shimon Sofer]] of Erlau<ref>{{cite web |title=רבי שמעון חסידא |url=https://zbermanbooks.com/%D7%A8%D7%91%D7%99-%D7%A9%D7%9E%D7%A2%D7%95%D7%9F-%D7%97%D7%A1%D7%99%D7%93%D7%90 |website=zbermanbooks.com |access-date=26 December 2020}}</ref> * ''Melech BeYofyo: Toldos Chayav, Po'alo VeDarko BeKodesh Shel Maran HaGaon Rabbi Yechezkel Abramsky Ztzvk"l'', 2004, 2 volume biography of Rabbi [[Yechezkel Abramsky]]<ref>{{cite web |title=מלך ביופיו Melech BeYofio אהרן סורסקי |url=http://virtualgeula.com/Stock/Books/Show/95 |website=virtualgeula.com |publisher=[[Judaica Archival Project]] |access-date=27 December 2020}}</ref> * ''Chevlei Yotzer: Sipur Chayav UPoalo Shel Meyased Bnei-Brak Rabbi Yitzchak Gerstenkorn'', 1974, biography of Rabbi Yitzchak Gerstenkorn, one of the founders and first mayor of [[Bnei Brak]]<ref>{{cite web |title=חבלי יוצר : סיפור חייו ופעלו של מייסד בני-ברק רבי יצחק גרשטנקורן / אהרן סורסקי. |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/books/NNL_ALEPH990010592410205171/NLI |website=nli.org.il |publisher=[[National Library of Israel]] |access-date=27 December 2020}}</ref> * ''HaRav MiPonevezh: Toldot HaGaon HaGadol HaRav R' Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman zt"l'', 1997, biography of Rabbi [[Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman]]<ref name=Builders/> * ''HaChazon Ish BeDorotav: Toldot Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz'', 1983, on Rabbi [[Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz]] (the Chazon Ish)<ref>{{cite web |title=החזון אי"ש בדורותיו |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ohvejwEACAAJ |website=google.com/books |access-date=27 December 2020| last1=Sorsḳi | first1=Aharon | year=1983 }}</ref> * ''Shluchah DeRachmana: Pirkei Chaim VeYetzirah Shel Shraga Feivel Mendelowitz Zt"l'', 1992, biography of Rabbi [[Shraga Feivel Mendelowitz]]<ref>{{cite web |title=שלוחא דרחמנא |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0j2LSQAACAAJ |website=google.com/books |access-date=27 December 2020| last1=Sorsḳi | first1=Aharon | year=1992 }}</ref> **Later adapted into English by [[Yonasan Rosenblum]] under the name ''Reb Shraga Feivel: The Life and Times of Rabbi Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz, the Architect of Torah in America''<ref>{{cite web |title=Reb Shraga Feivel |url=https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781578197965.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAgc-ABhA7EiwAjev-j4Axq6KRUXMcF8hBK76B__1nQUh-IEsikOstkCLKEmBzK_QuTQ8xLhoCvVYQAvD_BwE |website=Artscroll.com |publisher=[[Artscroll]] |access-date=29 January 2021}}</ref> * ''Zuto Shel Nahar: Sipurim Nevcharim'', 1983, stories of ''[[Tzaddikim]]''<ref>{{cite web |title=זוטו של נהר : סיפורים נבחרים / אהרן סורסקי Zuto Shel Nahar by Ahron Sorsky |url=https://www.ebay.com/i/372563904936?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28 |website=www.ebay.com |publisher=[[eBay]] |access-date=27 December 2020}}</ref> * ''Esh HaTorah'' (two volumes), on Rabbi [[Aharon Kotler]]<ref>Complete name: ''Esh HaTorah: Rashei Perakim Mekorot Chayav UKtzot Derachav Shel Rabbeinu HaGadol Sar HaTorah VeHaYirah HaGaon HaAmiti Raban Shel Yisrael Maran Rabbi Aharon Kotler Ztzvk"l'' {{cite web |title=אש התורה : ראשי פרקים מקורות חייו וקצות דרכיו של רבינו הגדול שר התורה והיראה הגאון האמיתי רבן של ישראל מרן רבי אהרן קוטלר זצוק"ל / אהרן סורסקי. |url=https://www.nli.org.il/en/books/NNL_ALEPH990035127430205171/NLI |website=nli.org.il |publisher=[[National Library of Israel]] |access-date=27 December 2020}}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sorasky, Aharon}} [[Category:1940 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Jewish writers]] [[Category:Bibliographers of Hebrew literature]] [[Category:20th-century Israeli non-fiction writers]] [[Category:20th-century Israeli male writers]] [[Category:Haredi writers]] [[Category:Israeli Hasidim]]